Friday, October 01, 2004

British singer Jamelia and US hip hop star Kanye West were the big winners at the Music of Black Origin (Mobo) awards on Thursday night.

The pair were both named winners in three categories at the ceremony held at London's Royal Albert Hall.

Jamelia was awarded UK act of the year, shared with Dizzee Rascal, as well as winning best single for Thank You.

The ceremony was overshadowed by protests following the exclusion of two artists over homophobic lyrics.

Other winners on the night included Usher, who won best R&B act, and Jamie Cullum for best jazz artist.

Kanye West's accolades included best hip hop artist, best producer and best album for College Dropout, although he not present to collect the awards.

Among those he beat for the best album title were Jay-Z, Outkast, Usher and Joss Stone.

Banners waved

Jamelia's third win was best video for See It In A Boy's Eyes, a track that was written by Coldplay's Chris Martin.

Speaking about her win for the autobiographical single Thank You, she said: "This is probably the most important and significant one for me to win because this is a single that really means a lot to me."

OutRage! defends the right of artists to criticise homosexuality, but free speech does not include the right to commit the criminal offence of incitement to murder

Peter Tatchell, Outrage!

In pictures: Mobos 2004

Ahead of the awards there had been accusations from the gay rights group Outrage! that the Mobos supported homophobic artists.

Jamaican reggae stars Elephant Man and Vybz Kartel were eventually dropped from the nominations after protests over anti-gay lyrics of their early songs and their refusal to apologise for them.

On the night about 30 protestors from the Black Music Council waved banners in support of the two ousted artists, reading "Defend Reggae Music" and "Enraged by OutRage!"

They also booed the celebrities as they arrived at the Royal Albert Hall.

Outrage! campaigner Peter Tatchell, who was not at the ceremony, said he was "appalled" at the actions of the Black Music Council.

"OutRage! defends the right of artists to criticise homosexuality, but free speech does not include the right to commit the criminal offence of incitement to murder," he said.

"The Mobos are to be congratulated for dropping Elephant Man and Vybz Kartel."

Janet Jackson was on hand to present an award to Anita Baker

Following the dropping of the two acts there were just two artists left in the reggae category, which was eventually won by Sean Paul who beat Toots and the Maytals.

Ceremony host Pharrell Williams pulled out just days ago and was been replaced by actor Mos Def.

Lifetime achievement

Stars including Beyonce Knowles, Outkast and Usher all turned down invitations to attend the awards.

But Janet Jackson was on hand to present a lifetime achievement award to Anita Baker.

Lemar was the only UK artist nominated for best R&B act but this was won by US singer Usher.

The best world music act was taken by Brazilian Bebel Gilberto, the daughter of guitarist and vocalist Joao Gilberto and singer Miucha.

The gospel award was won by UK five-piece group Raymond and Co.

The UK radio DJ category was won by Jigs of Choice FM while Manny Norte picked up best UK Club DJ.